The United States opened Group D with a 4-1 win over Paraguay on June 12 at Los Angeles Stadium. Folarin Balogun scored twice, the first multi goal World Cup game by a U.S. player since 1930, and the four goals marked the most the U.S. men have scored in a single World Cup match. Defender Chris Richards returned after missing both pre tournament warm up games through injury and completed all 83 of his passes, the most by any player in a World Cup match since 1966. Christian Pulisic was subbed out at halftime because of a calf problem, and his status remains unclear after he walked gingerly to the team bus after the match.
In the same group, Australia stunned Turkey 2-0 on Saturday, setting up a major USA Australia clash next Friday. A U.S. win there could put the Americans in the driver's seat in Group D and in strong shape for the knockout round.
Scotland, back at the World Cup after 28 years, sits atop Group C after beating Haiti. Brazil and Morocco, expected to advance from that group, drew 1-1. Qatar and Switzerland also finished 1-1, giving Qatar its first ever World Cup point in its second tournament appearance. The Netherlands and Japan tied 2-2 in a Group F heavyweight meeting.
Curaçao, the smallest nation ever to play at a World Cup with a population of 158,000, debuted against Germany. Curaçao equalized after an early German goal and stayed level for 17 minutes before Germany pulled away for a 7-1 win.
Looking ahead, Iran and New Zealand open their group play Monday at Los Angeles Stadium as the first week of the tournament continues.
